Creating an accessible website is more than a technical requirement—it’s an opportunity to make a difference. For the 6 million Canadians living with disabilities (Statistics Canada, 2017), accessible digital spaces are essential for equal access to information, services, and community.

Inclusion isn’t just about compliance; it’s about creating a digital world where everyone feels valued and empowered.

Starting with Accessibility: The Core Elements

Whether you’re new to accessibility or looking to improve your website, here are foundational practices to make your digital content more accessible:

1. Use Descriptive Alt Text for Images

• Alt text describes an image’s content, allowing screen readers to convey visual information to users with visual impairments.

• Tip: Make alt text specific and relevant. Instead of “dog,” try “Golden Retriever playing in a field.”

2. Enable Keyboard Navigation

• Keyboard accessibility allows users who can’t use a mouse to navigate the site using only their keyboard. Test each element (links, forms, buttons) to ensure it can be selected and activated by keyboard alone.

• Did you know? A study found that nearly 60% of screen reader users rely primarily on keyboard navigation (WebAIM Screen Reader Survey).

3. Ensure Sufficient Color Contrast

• Contrast is essential for readability, especially for those with low vision or color blindness. Aim for a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for text to background, following WCAG standards.

• Tool: Use tools like the Color Contrast Checker to test for sufficient contrast.

4. Provide Transcripts and Captions for Multimedia

• For video and audio content, offer text-based transcripts or captions to ensure information is accessible to Deaf or hard-of-hearing users.

• Stat: Over 5% of the global population is estimated to have disabling hearing loss (World Health Organization).

5. Use Clear, Descriptive Link Text

• Links should describe their destination or action so users know what to expect. Avoid “click here” and instead use text like “Download the accessibility guide” or “Learn about WCAG standards.”

Leveraging Accessibility Tools

These practices are just the beginning! Accessibility tools can help you identify areas for improvement and make testing easier:

• WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool): Checks websites for WCAG compliance and provides detailed feedback on accessibility errors.

• aXe Accessibility Checker: Integrates with web browsers and development environments to test accessibility during development.

• Lighthouse (Google’s tool): Offers an accessibility audit and scoring for sites, helping you address issues for users and improve SEO.

Why Accessibility Benefits All Users

Making your website accessible isn’t just about meeting standards—it improves user experience for everyone. Clearer text, consistent navigation, and accessible multimedia make sites easier to use and engage a broader audience. And with accessible websites often ranking higher in search engines, your brand visibility can increase, too.

Building a Stronger, More Inclusive Brand

Committing to accessibility isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart business decision. Accessible websites broaden your reach to a diverse audience, build trust, and support Canada’s commitment to a barrier-free digital world by 2040 (Government of Canada).

While accessibility tools like WAVE and aXe are great for initial testing, they can’t catch everything. Manual audits are essential to uncover complex issues and ensure real-world usability. Hello Accessible combines automated and manual testing to provide a comprehensive accessibility audit, helping you meet standards and create a user-friendly experience for everyone. Let us guide you in building a truly inclusive digital space that reflects your commitment to accessibility.

Ready to Start?
While accessibility tools like WAVE and aXe are great for initial testing, they can’t catch everything. Manual audits are essential to uncover complex issues and ensure real-world usability. Hello Accessible combines automated and manual testing to provide a comprehensive accessibility audit, helping you meet standards and create a user-friendly experience for everyone. Let us guide you in building a truly inclusive digital space that reflects your commitment to accessibility.